April 27, 2023

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERLY STORING MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR OPTIMAL FRESHNESS AND POTENCY

Introduction

Medical marijuana has become an essential part of many patients' lives, helping them manage various medical conditions. To ensure its effectiveness and maintain its quality, it is crucial to store medical marijuana correctly.

In this comprehensive guide, we provide you with valuable tips and best practices for properly storing your medical cannabis, ensuring that it remains fresh and potent for as long as possible.

1. Keep Medical Marijuana Away from Light and UV Rays

Sunlight and UV rays can cause the degradation of cannabinoids, resulting in a loss of potency over time [7]. It is essential to store your medical cannabis in a dark and cool place, away from direct sunlight.

A cabinet, closet, or opaque container can help protect your marijuana from harmful light exposure.

2. Use Airtight Containers for Optimal Preservation

Exposure to air and oxygen can also degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes in your medical marijuana [5]. To maintain freshness and potency, use airtight containers made of glass or stainless steel.

These materials are less likely to affect the taste and aroma of your cannabis compared to plastic containers, which may release harmful chemicals over time.

3. Store Medical Marijuana at the Right Temperature and Humidity

Temperature and humidity play a crucial role in preserving the quality of your medical marijuana. The ideal storage temperature for cannabis is between 60-70°F (15-21°C) [5].

Storing cannabis at higher temperatures may promote the growth of mold and mildew, while lower temperatures can cause trichomes to become brittle and break off.

The optimal humidity level for storing medical marijuana is between 55-65% relative humidity (RH) [5].

Higher humidity levels can lead to mold growth, while lower levels may cause the cannabis to become overly dry, affecting its taste and potency. To maintain the ideal humidity, consider using humidity packs specifically designed for cannabis storage.

4. Proper Storage Techniques for Different Forms of Medical Marijuana

4.1 Storing Cannabis Flowers

To store cannabis flowers, place them in a clean, airtight glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the jar in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations [10].

Avoid using plastic bags or containers, as they can allow air to seep in and may affect the taste and aroma of your cannabis.

4.2 Storing Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates should be stored in a glass container with an airtight seal [8]. To preserve flavor, potency, and consistency, many experts recommend storing concentrates in the refrigerator when not in use.

However, it is essential to let the concentrate warm up to room temperature before opening the container to prevent condensation from forming.

4.3 Storing Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis edibles should be stored in a cool, dry place in airtight containers. Depending on the type of edible, there are specific storage methods to maintain freshness and potency.

4.3.1 Storing Baked Goods

Baked goods like brownies and cookies should be wrapped in wax paper or aluminum foil to avoid taste alteration from plastic [5].

Place the wrapped edibles in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four weeks [4]. For longer storage, up to several months, store them in the freezer [4].

4.3.2 Storing Cannabis-infused Beverages

Shelf-stable cannabis-infused beverages can last six to nine months unopened when stored in a cool, dark pantry [9]. Ensure that the container is airtight to prevent exposure to air, which can degrade the cannabinoids and affect the drink's potency [1].

4.3.3 Storing Cannabutter and Cannabis-infused Cooking Oils

Cannabutter should be stored in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain its freshness [5]. Cannabis-infused cooking oils should also be kept in a dark, cool cabinet to preserve their potency [5].

4.3.4 Storing Frozen Edibles

For long-term storage, edibles can be stored in vacuum-sealed bags in the freezer, where they can remain potent for up to six months [2]. When freezing edibles, make sure to remove as much air as possible from the packaging to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

5.1 How long do edibles stay potent?

The shelf life of edibles varies depending on the type of edible and storage conditions.

Baked goods can last up to four weeks in the refrigerator, while shelf-stable drinks can remain potent for six to nine months in a pantry [9]. Frozen edibles can maintain their potency for up to six months [2].

5.2 Do edibles go bad?

Cannabis edibles can lose their potency and freshness over time, but they do not necessarily become unsafe to consume [10].

However, it is essential to pay attention to the appearance, smell, and texture of edibles, as mold and other spoilage can occur under certain conditions.

Conclusion

Proper storage of medical marijuana is essential to maintain its potency, freshness, and safety for consumption. Here are some guidelines to follow when storing medical marijuana:

Keep it away from light, especially sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the cannabinoids and reduce the potency of the flowers [5]. Store your medical marijuana in a cool, dark, dry place [7].
Use containers with a neutral charge, such as glass mason jars, to store medical marijuana [7]. Air-tight glass jars are considered the best option for preserving weed [9].
Maintain the humidity of your storage area between 55% and 65% to preserve the cannabinoid and terpene contents of the flower [2]. You can use humidity packets or natural methods for hydrating your cannabis [7].
Do not freeze cannabis flower, as freezing can cause the trichomes to freeze and become more susceptible to breaking off, resulting in a loss of potency [2].
If you're storing cannabis oil or other liquid products, such as Epidiolex, follow the manufacturer's storage instructions. Generally, store these medications at room temperature (between 68°F and 77°F) and avoid freezing [4].
Always store medical marijuana out of reach of children, pets, and unauthorized individuals to ensure safety [1].
Pay attention to the label on the medical marijuana packaging, as it should include essential information like the name, address, and permit number of the grower/processor, as well as the form, quantity, and weight of the medical marijuana [8].